Job Description:

Sector: Nuclear New Build / Mechanical & Welding Inspection

Location: Hinkley Site, Somerset (Bridgwater area)

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

The Opportunity:

We are partnering with a Tier 1 delivery framework partner at Hinkley Point C to recruit an experienced Welding / NDT Field Quality Engineer. Operating within the site quality surveillance team, you will be responsible for overseeing the mechanical installation, assembly, and welding activities executed by major contractors on-site.

This role ensures that high-integrity equipment - including static and rotating plant, pressure systems, and piping infrastructure - is delivered strictly in line with project specifications, international design codes, and nuclear safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Site Quality Surveillance: Conduct independent quality surveillance on mechanical installation and welding activities across designated sections of the construction site.

• Non-Conformance Management: Identify and record technical deviations from the approved work packages, proactively raising non-conformance reports (NCRs) and working with the superintendent to drive corrective actions.

• Technical Query & Design Control: Ensure that no unauthorized design decisions or modifications are made "in the field." Facilitate the formal quality loop to ensure all technical changes pass through the approved design authority channels.

• Proactive Defect Prevention: Analyse look-ahead schedules and coordinate with operational teams to identify potential quality risks or welding constraints before they impact production.

• Inspection Record Verification: Monitor and verify that contractor Quality Inspection Records and lifetime records are fully compiled, signed off, and approved before any works are covered up or progressed.

• Contractor Assurance: Assess contractor performance on the ground against authorized Quality Control Plans (QCPs) and Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs).

• Cross-Discipline Liaison: Maintain collaborative communication networks with health and safety, project controls, and construction teams, contributing field data to support project KPIs.

What We're Looking For:

• Qualifications: Technical qualification (Degree, HNC/HND) in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials, Welding, or equivalent vocational engineering training and field experience.

• Codes & Standards: Strong working knowledge of relevant British, European, and international design codes such as RCC-M, BS EN, and ASME.

• Quality Documentation: Proven experience working with safety-critical construction documentation, including Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs) and End of Erection Status Reports (EESRs).

• Construction Track Record: Solid experience working within large, fast-paced industrial construction or fabrication environments (e.g., power plant, petrochemical, or heavy infrastructure).

• Inspection Software & Reporting: Highly proficient in maintaining accurate, concise site diaries and surveillance logs that align with high-compliance contract management standards.

Desirable Skills & Certifications:

• A valid welding inspector qualification (such as CSWIP 3.1 or equivalent) alongside a basic appreciation of NDT techniques is highly desirable (candidates with the right engineering profile may be supported through these certifications).

• Higher-level welding or inspection credentials (CSWIP 3.2, IWS, or PCN NDT certifications) are an advantage.

• Experience with the fabrication and installation of high-pressure systems.

• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills; a working knowledge of the French language is advantageous due to international design interfaces, but not essential.